ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
India-UK hold 12th Economic and Financial Dialogue  in New Delhi
12th EFD concludes with adoption of the Joint Statement by Union Finance Minister of India and Chancellor of Exchequer of United Kingdom
Both countries announce the India-UK Infrastructure Finance Bridge - a collaborative initiative to leverage expertise and investment in support of India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline
India and U.K. optimistic to promote financial services and investment activities in GIFT IFSC
On the sidelines of 12th EFD, Ministers also participate in India-UK Financial Partnership  meeting
The 12th Round of Ministerial India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held today in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, and the U.K. delegation was led by Rt. Hon. Mr. Jeremy Hunt, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, U.K.
India and UK reiterated the commitment to deepen their collaboration on Financial Services, building on each other’s strengths and supporting mutual aspirations towards financial inclusion and sustainable development. There was optimism in terms of the activities being done by India to promote financial services and investment in GIFT IFSC and UK’s commitment to support the same.
The focus of the dialogue was also towards enhancement of the knowledge exchange, cooperation and support between India and UK to further the infrastructure development priorities, robust FinTech partnership and Sustainable Finance towards long-term growth objectives.
Both sides also deliberated on enhancing mutual cooperation on macroeconomic and multilateral issues. The two countries announced the India-UK Infrastructure Finance Bridge, a collaborative initiative to leverage expertise and investment in support of India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline.
The Dialogue concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement by Union Finance Minister of India and Chancellor of Exchequer of United Kingdom.
The meeting was also attended by the representatives from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs, Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India and International Financial Services Centres Authority. with representatives from UK Treasury, Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority.
At the sidelines of the Dialogue, the Ministers also participated in the India-UK Financial Partnership  meeting co-chaired by Mr. Uday Kotak and Mr. Bill Winters. The participants included key business leaders from India and UK as well as the representatives from financial regulators from both countries. The IUKFP meeting, inter alia, held discussions on policy papers as well as ideas for deeper financial exchange and collaboration between the two countries.
Annexure:
- Joint Statement of 12th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue
- Joint Statement of India-UK Infrastructure Financing Bridge
Prime Minister's Office
PM to interact with representatives from Varanasi based NGOs tomorrow
PM to discuss and showcase the efforts of these organizations towards food distribution and other assistance measures during lockdown
During the lockdown imposed in view of the COVID pandemic, the residents of Varanasi and members of social organizations, through their own efforts as well as by providing assistance to the District Administration, ensured that food was available timely for everyone in need. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with representatives of such organizations tomorrow via video conferencing to discuss their experience and showcase their efforts.
During lockdown, more than hundred organizations in Varanasi distributed almost 20 lakh food packets and 2 lakh dry ration kits through the food cell of the District Administration as well as through individual efforts.
Apart from food distribution, these organizations were instrumental in distribution of masks, sanitizers etc. They have been honoured as ‘corona warriors’ by the District Administration.
These organizations serve in diverse fields including education, social, religious, health, hotels/social clubs and other professional sectors.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves issue of Notifications for “General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2019)”
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the "“General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2019) -for issuance of statutory notifications under under sub-section of Section 14 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951”. It provides for calling upon the parliamentary constituencies to elect Members to the House of the People, on the dates to be recommended by the Election Commission of India in its Proceedings.
Impact:
The issuing of notifications would begin the election process for constituting the Seventeenth House of the People.
Ministry of Defence
Commemoration of Second Anniversary of Surgical Strike
In order to showcase the gallant action of our brave Army in the conduct of Surgical Strikes on 29 September, 2016 and also to remember the sacrifice of soldiers during Uri incident, various events will be held at important military stations to commemorate the second anniversary of Surgical Strikes during September 29 - 30, 2018.
It may be recalled that 11 days after the Uri attack that claimed 18 soldiers, Indian Army carried out Surgical Strikes on the night of September 28-29, 2016 in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists along with 'those protecting them" and heralding a change of stand on the rules of engagement on the disputed Line of Control.
The various events that have been planned include an exhibition showcasing the valour of armed forces, display of ship/submarine/aircraft/ arms/equipment models, playing of video clippings on the surgical strike and naval videos and establishing of digital /selfie walls, along with a canvas wall for graffiti by children and visitors. In addition, ships will be open to visitors, and school/NCC children visits to ships/submarine/air stations are being planned. School children are also being encouraged to do letter writing and participate in card/poster making competitions in honour of valiant soldiers. A band display and bugle call is planned on 29th September to honour the fallen soldiers at the ballard pier memorial.
The multifarious event is planned by the Navy to be held at Mumbai and Goa over a period of two days in the Western Naval Command. The venue for the exhibition of various stalls and video walls is at ballard pier/cruiser wharf in naval dockyard. The entry to cruiser wharf will be through tiger gate.
Background: Parakram Parv Celebrations
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
MSME in domestic defence production sector
As reported by the Ministry of Defence, the number of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises  Vendors in India under domestic defence production sector is 8,643.
Several schemes/initiatives have been put in place to support MSMEs including those in the defence production sector. These include Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme , Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme , Scheme for Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region and Sikkim, Tool Rooms and Technology Centers, Mission Solar Charkha , Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries , Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme, Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme , Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises  and Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Upgradation Scheme . The Ministry of Defence has also taken various measures to support domestic defence production across the country. These include Make-I and Make-II projects, Defence Investor Cell and Innovations for Defence Excellence .
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President condemns attack on CRPF Personnel in Sukma District of Chhattsigarh
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has condemned the attack on CRPF Personnel in Sukma District of Chhattsigarh. In a message, he said that there cannot be any justification for such heinous and reprehensible acts and the perpetrators must be found and punished for their crimes.
Following is the text of Vice President's message:
"I am deeply shocked to learn about the attack in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh in which a number of CRPF personnel lost their lives.
There cannot be any justification for such heinous and reprehensible acts. The perpetrators must be found and punished for their crimes.
I join the nation in offering my sincere condolences to the families of the CRPF jawans who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Gadkari Reviews Progress of India’s first Grade- Separated Urban Expressway 
The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari reviewed the progress of India’s First Grade Separated Urban Expressway, Dwarka Expressway  today. The Minister made a inspectional visit to Dwarka Expressway with public representatives and Media. Shri Nitin Gadkari expressed hope that the 29-kilometre long Expressway, being constructed under the Bharatmala Project and with a cost of Rs.8,662 crore, would be completed before the Independence Day next year. The Minister said that “it will be the first-ever elevated Urban Expressway in India and will immensely help reducing the air pollution in Delhi-NCR”. While addressing media persons after the inspection of project, Shri Nitin Gadkari said that the Dwarka Expressway would also be the first instance of a project where Tree Plantation of approximately 12,000 trees has been undertaken, keeping protection of the environment in view. He further said that “based on this experience, the method will be replicated across the country”.
The Minister stated that Delhi-Gurugram section of National Highway-8, a part of Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral , is presently carrying traffic of over three lakh Passenger Car Units , which is much beyond design capacity of this 8-lane highway, leading to severe congestion and with the construction of the present project, 50 to 60 per cent traffic on National Highway-8 will be reduced. The project will also provide around 50 thousand direct or indirect employment opportunities.
Being built in four packages, total length of the Expressway is 29 kilometres out of which 18.9 kilometre length falls in Haryana while remaining 10.1 kilometre length is in Delhi. It starts from Shiv-Murti on National Highway-8 and ends near KherkiDaula Toll Plaza.
The Minister said that the project, once complete, will be an engineering marvel of India as it has several unique features. This will have longest  and widest  Urban Road Tunnel in India. The project’s road network will also comprise of four levels, i.e., tunnel / underpass, at-grade road, elevated flyover and flyover above flyover.
It will also comprise India’s first 9-kilometre long 8-lane flyover  on single pier with 6-lane service roads. There will be a fully automated tolling system with 22 lanes toll plaza. The entire project will be equipped with Intelligent Transportation System . The project has a total estimated consumption of two lakh MT of steel, which is 30 times of that of the Eiffel Tower. The total estimated consumption of 20 lakh Cum of Concrete is six times of the Burj Khalifa building.
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Ministry of Defence
MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE  WITH FRENCH NAVY
Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise  with French Navy  ships FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship and FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate, in the Arabian Sea on 10 – 11 March 2023.
The exercise witnessed a wide spectrum of evolutions at sea which included cross deck landings, boarding exercises and seamanship evolutions. The seamless conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the interoperability and high level of cooperation between the two navies.
INS Sahyadri is fitted with state-of –the art weapons and sensors, which makes her capable of detecting and neutralising air, surface and sub-surface threats. The ship is a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, under operational control of FOCinC .
Ministry of Science & Technology
INSPIRE Faculty fellow modifying tiny dots for fabricating optical materials useful for optical sensors, light-emitting purposes, energy conversion & composites
Artificial Intelligence  has a beginning, but no end and would evolve with time: Secretary, DST, Prof Ashutosh Sharma
Dr. Satyapriya Bhandari, from the Department of Chemistry, University of North Bengal, West Bengal, is fascinated by tiny nanoscale crystals which, when hit by ultraviolet light, emits light of multiple colours.
This recipient of the INSPIRE Faculty fellowship instituted by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India is using chemical reactions to modify the surface of these nanoscale crystals called quantum dots  for fabricating optical materials that can have sustainable applications in optical sensors, light-emitting usages, composites and fluorescent biological labels.
Chemically modifying the surface of QDs can be an innovative pathway to alter their optical features and making newer optical materials, which are useful for fabricating white light-emitting  materials, ratiometric sensors for detecting disease responsive molecules or environmental pollutants, photocatalysts  and imaging of cancerous cells.
Dr Bhandari’s chemically modified QDs could be used for ratiometric tracing of in vitro pH, detection of amino acid and vitamin B12, developing advanced WLE materials that can emit day-bright light, capability to image cancerous cells and packaging of enzymes to enhance their activity.
The research was published in journals Chemical Communications, Advanced Optical Materials, Chemistry: an Asian Journal, and Nanoscale Advances. Dr Bhandari has worked on construction of advanced, sustainable and environment-friendly optoelectronic materials and sensors, setting a new paradigm in the area.
In collaboration with IIT Guwahati, he established a dual emitting nanoprobe which can serve as a sensor for the detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions. The work has been published in the journal ‘Journal of Material Chemistry C’ recently.
With the inspire faculty fellowship, he is working on the fabrication of QD-based optical materials for advanced energy and sensing applications that can be used for household lighting, alternative fuel production, better human health monitoring and for clean and sustainable environment.
Publications links:
1. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9CC01088B
2. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00540A
3. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TC01788D
4. https://doi.org/10.1002/asia.202000466
For more details, Dr Satyapriya Bhandari  can be contacted.
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s address on 50th Statehood Day of Manipur
“Resilience and unity of the Manipuri people in the face of ups and downs of their history is their true strength”
“Manipur deserves peace and freedom from closures and blockades”
“Government is committed to make Manipur the sports powerhouse of the country”
“Manipur has a key role in the vision of making the North-East the center of Act East policy”
“Obstacles in the growth journey of the state have been removed and next 25 years are the Amrit Kaal of Manipur’s development”
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of Manipur on the 50th statehood day of Manipur. Speaking on the occasion, he paid tribute to the sacrifices and efforts of each and every person who contributed to this glorious journey. He termed the resilience and unity of the Manipuri people in the face of ups and downs of their history as their true strength. He reiterated his continued efforts to get first-hand account of expectations and aspirations of the people of the state that enabled him to get a better understanding of their feelings and expectation and find ways to tackle the problems of the state. He expressed happiness that Manipuri people could fulfil their greatest desire for peace. “Manipur deserves peace and freedom from closures and blockades”, he said.
The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to make Manipur the sports powerhouse of the country. He said that sons and daughters of Manipur have brought laurels in the sports field and in the light of their passion and potential India’s first sports university was established in the state. He also remarked on the Manipur’s youth’s success in the start-up sphere. He underlined the government’s commitment for the promotion of the local handicraft.
The Prime Minister stressed Manipur’s key role in the vision of making the North-East the center of Act East policy. He said under the ‘double-engine’ government, Manipur is getting long awaited facilities like Railways. Thousands crore rupees worth connectivity projects are underway in the state including Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line. Similarly, with Imphal airport getting international status, connectivity of North-Eastern states with Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru has improved. Manipur will also benefit from India-Myanmar-Thailand tri-lateral highway and upcoming 9 thousand crore natural gas pipeline in the region.
The Prime Minister said that obstacles in the growth journey of the state have been removed and next 25 years are the Amrit Kaal of Manipur’s development. He concluded by wishing for the state’s double-engine growth.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Recycling of Waste
Central Pollution Control Board has prepared National Inventory Report on Wastes Generation and its Management on annual basis based on the annual inventory received from the concerned State Pollution Control Boards  / Pollution Control Committees . The details of number of recycling units, treatment capacity/quantity recycled/processed/treated across the country waste wise are as follows:
- Hazardous Waste:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Name of Hazardous Wastes
|
|
No of facilities
|
|
Quantity recycled 
|
|
1.
|
|
Brass, Zinc, Copper & Spent Catalyst
|
|
635
|
|
3,60,665
|
|
2.
|
|
Lead bearing Waste 
|
|
741
|
|
6,82,339
|
|
3.
|
|
Used/Waste Oil
|
|
623
|
|
2,67,800
|
|
4.
|
|
Paint & Ink Sludge
|
|
15
|
|
3,583
|
|
5.
|
|
Recycling permitted under Rule 9 of hazardous waste rules
|
|
736
|
|
11,11,722
|
|
6.
|
|
Co-processing of Hazardous and Other waste
|
|
96
|
|
18,96,250
- Bio Medical Waste:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Year
|
|
No. of Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility 
|
|
Treatment Capacity

|
|
1.
|
|
2014
|
|
191
|
|
609|
|
2.
|
|
2015
|
|
203
|
|
693|
|
3.
|
|
2016
|
|
199
|
|
796|
|
4.
|
|
2017
|
|
198
|
|
739|
|
5.
|
|
2018
|
|
200
|
|
764|
|
6.
|
|
2019
|
|
202
|
|
865
|
|
7.
|
|
2020
|
|
208
|
|
1153Treatment capacity is calculated based on 12 hours operation of treatment equipment
- E-Waste:
|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Number of Authorized Dismantlers/Recyclers
|
|
Total Capacity 
|
|
2016-17
|
|
178
|
|
4,38,086
|
|
2017-18
|
|
275
|
|
5,10,950
|
|
2018-19
|
|
312
|
|
7,82,080. 62
|
|
2019-20
|
|
407
|
|
11,10,103.22
|
|
2020-21
|
|
468
|
|
13,85,932.22
|
|
2021-22
|
|
472
|
|
14,26,685.22
- Solid Waste:
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Solid waste generated 
|
|
Waste Processed 
|
|
-
|
|
2015-16
|
|
1,04,636.27
|
|
20,288.55
|
|
-
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1,19,140.92
|
|
24,045.05
|
|
-
|
|
2017-18
|
|
4,2,199.385
|
|
15,386.816
|
|
-
|
|
2018-19
|
|
1,52,076.675
|
|
55,759.76
|
|
-
|
|
2019-20
|
|
1,50,761.145
|
|
70,881.197
|
|
-
|
|
2020-21
|
|
1,60,038.9
|
|
79,956.3
- Plastic waste:
|
|
Financial
Year
|
|
Number of registered plastic waste processors under Plastic Waste Management Rules
|
|
Plastic waste generated 
|
|
Plastic waste recycled 
|
|
Plastic waste co-processed 
|
|
2019-20
|
|
1419
|
|
34.7
|
|
15.8
|
|
1.67
Ministry under its central sector scheme “Creation of Management Structures for Hazardous Substances” provides financial assistance for innovative technologies for environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  has amended the existing Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors  to provide support for setting up of state-of-art e-waste recycling facilities for extraction of precious metals from e-waste components. The scheme envisioned for financial incentive of 25% on capital expenditure.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Induction of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter
Today, the IAF formally inducted the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter into its inventory at Air Force Station Pathankot. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff was the Chief guest at the event.
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the induction ceremony said “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by IAF. I am happy to note that the delivery schedule is on time with eight helicopters already being delivered.”
IAF has signed a contract with ‘The Boeing Company’ and US Government for 22 Apache Attack Helicopters. The first eight helicopters have been delivered on schedule and the last batch of helicopters is to be delivered by March 2020. These helicopters will be deployed in the Western regions of India.
The helicopter is capable of delivering variety of weapons which include air to ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air to air Stinger missiles. Apache also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of area weapon sub system. To add to the lethality of the helicopter, it carries fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and nose mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.
The addition of Apache Attack Helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force helicopter fleet. This procurement will enhance the capability of IAF in providing integrated combat aviation cover to the army strike corps. These tandem seating helicopters are day/night, all weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage. These are easily maintainable even in field conditions and are capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions.